Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
VEON has launched Islamic banking services in Pakistan through Mobilink Microfinance Bank, opening its first branch in Karachi with expansion planned nationwide. The initiative supports financial inclusion and responds to rising demand for Shariah-compliant banking, as Islamic banking assets now account for over one-fifth of Pakistan’s banking sector.
Cash still accounts for over 65 percent of transaction value in Bangladesh despite growth in digital payments and mobile financial services. Central bank data show slow progress toward a cashless economy, with businesses favoring cheques, limited digital acceptance, and MFS largely confined to small-value transfers.
Orange Money Group and Visa have formed a strategic partnership to expand access to secure digital payments across Africa and the Middle East. Through a virtual Visa card integrated into the Max it app, millions of Orange Money users can now make international online payments, supporting financial inclusion and digital commerce growth across multiple markets.
Mastercard has partnered with TerraPay to expand global acceptance for digital wallet users by improving interoperability across payment networks. The collaboration aims to enable seamless cross-border transactions, support financial inclusion, and help merchants and wallet providers scale as digital payments continue to grow worldwide.
Egypt has granted tpay the country’s first licence to offer direct mobile billing for government services. The approval enables citizens to pay utility bills, fines, and official fees via mobile balances or bills, expanding digital payment access and supporting financial inclusion without requiring bank accounts or cards.
Banglalink has received Bangladesh Bank approval to operate as a payment service provider, enabling the launch of regulated digital payment and money transfer services. The move supports financial inclusion in Bangladesh, integrates payments into mobile experiences, and leverages VEON’s global expertise in digital financial services.
Pakistan has opened 10 million BISP mobile wallet accounts for low-income women, enabling digital stipends without agents or queues. Supported by banks, telcos, PTA, and NADRA, the initiative targets 100% digital payments by June 2026 and represents a major step in expanding financial inclusion.
Oman has soft launched ‘Maal’, its first national payment card, through a partnership between Dhofar Islamic and the Central Bank of Oman. Integrated with the OmanNet gateway, the card will enable domestic payments across ATMs, POS terminals, e-commerce, and government platforms. The initiative reduces reliance on international card networks, enhances security and financial inclusion, and supports Oman Vision 2040’s digital economy and cashless society ambitions.
NBK has launched new fintech services — including Virtual IBANs, secure APIs, BIN Sponsorship, and QR Code Cash Withdrawal — to accelerate Kuwait’s digital economy and support financial inclusion. Designed for licensed e-wallet providers, these services give fintechs access to NBK’s secure infrastructure, enabling compliant digital payment solutions and fostering innovation across Kuwait’s evolving fintech sector.
Egypt’s Central Bank (CBE) has launched the Haweya digital ID platform—starting with a new website and soon a mobile app—to accelerate financial inclusion and simplify access to public and private services nationwide. The initiative introduces a unified biometric digital identity that will allow Egyptians to verify their identity, open bank accounts, and complete eKYC processes entirely online.